Munros 4 MND

Our Story

In 2017 Dad was diagnosed with Motor Neuron Disease. MND is a life-limiting, rapidly-progressing disease that affects the brain and spinal cord. MND attacks the nerves that control movement so muscles no longer work. Currently there is no cure, nor any effective treatment, and average life expectancy from diagnosis is just 18 months. Since Dad's diagnosis, we have been fundraising for the My Name'5 Doddie Foundation to help fund research into treatments and ultimately a cure for this heart-breaking disease.

At the time of his diagnosis, Dad had completed 267/282 of Scotland's Munros (mountains over 3,000ft). As it became apparent that he wouldn't be able to finish them himself, we decided to climb the remaining 15 on his behalf. We completed his "Final 15" Munros in 2021 and raised over £60,000 for MND research.

Devastatingly, just two short months after we completed Dad’s Munros, he passed away.

In 2023 we embarked on a new challenge to continue to raise money for MND research in the hope that one day other families won't have to go through what we have when faced with an MND diagnosis. We took on our "4 in 24" challenge in July 2023; to summit the 4 most northerly Munros in 24 hours. The challenge involved hiking over 42km, ascending over 3,250m in height, and traveling the distance between the Munros almost entirely on single-track roads, all within 24 hours! We completed our mission and raised a further £10,000 for the Foundation.

The Full Round Challenge

Ever since climbing Dad’s final Munros, it has always upset me that his name isn’t on the official “Munro Compleatists” list. He deserves to be on the list, and if it wasn’t for MND he would be.

Knowing how much this meant to him, I made the decision that I would continue after his "Final 15", and attempt to climb all 282 myself in his honour. Whilst it won’t get Dad’s name on the list, it will allow me to keep spreading awareness and raising money for the My Name’5 Doddie Foundation along the way. The work they are doing to tackle this devastating disease is vital, and as Doddie Weir himself said, “MND is not incurable, it’s underfunded”. 

Dad’s heart is in the Scottish hills, and it's a special feeling to know that every time I climb a Munro, I'm following in his footsteps.

So, if you spot someone decked out in Doddie’5 Tartan halfway up a Munro, please stop and say "hello"!

I won’t break any speed records, but I live in hope that by the time I finish there will be some positive news for MND sufferers. 

Tomorrow isn’t guaranteed, so make the most of today.

You can follow my progress on this website, on Twitter and on Instagram @Munros4MND.

I have chosen to continue raise money for the My Name'5 Doddie Foundation and any donations to this incredible charity are very much appreciated. 

Finally, I wanted to say a huge thanks to those who have already given amazing support and publicity to our challenges.

Together we can beat MND.

Paul x